Bus driver not to blame for death of nine-year-old Caitlin, inquest hears

11:44am Tuesday 1st July 2014

By Mike Benke

A MOMENTARY lapse in concentration from Caitlin Hunt led to her crossing a road without looking and being struck by a bus which killed her instantly, an inquest heard today.

In March the nine-year-old Rodbourne Cheney Primary School pupil was on a pedal scooter when she pulled out in front of the vehicle on Moredon Road near the Blair Parade shops.

The coroner ruled that no blame could be apportioned to the bus driver who was travelling within the speed limit.

Several of Cailtin's family members were present at the hearing which was held at Salisbury Coroners Court.

In his summary, assistant coroner David Coward said: "It is my finding that Caitlin died of multiple traumatic crush injuries after being struck be a bus."

Several statements were heard from witnesses who described how attempts were made to revive Caitlin but having been struck by the bus and then dragged underneath she was killed instantly.

Police used CCTV from the bus and nearby shops to show that Caitlin, who was with her older brother and a friend, failed to slow down and crossed the while looking in another direction.

The bus was travelling at around 15mph at the time but the driver had no time to stop and could do nothing to avoid hitting the girl.

During the inquest questions were also asked about the road layout, as the section where Caitlin died was raised to level with the pavement, possibly leading to confusion over who had right of way.

The police said no action could could be taken to avoid another accident and the road layout was nationally recognised as a traffic calming measure, although the coroner made no mention of it in his verdict.